Tens of thousands of people each year are diagnosed with brain tumors, and hundreds of thousands live with them today. While only some of these tumors are malignant (cancer causing), this doesn’t make them any less scary. Luckily, medical advances in the past decade have expanded treatment options and increased survival rates in even the most severe cases. The key to successful treatment is recognizing the symptoms early. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a brain tumor are similar to those of other diseases and thus may be hard to recognize. Here is what to look for:
The size and the location of the tumor can vary, so symptoms can vary greatly from case to case. There are some relatively common warning signs, including headaches, seizures, weakness in specific areas of the body, and marked changes in mental function.
Tumor-related headaches have unique characteristics. They are usually appear after waking in the morning, only to disappear after a few hours. These headaches can even wake people up at night. Often the headaches can resemble migraines, with the associated symptoms of nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sound or light, and vision problems.
Many other symptoms may occur depending on the specifics of the case. The senses can be affected, such as modifications to taste, smell, sight, and touch, as well as problems with coordination and balance. Tumors can also cause cognitive changes. Some people may have trouble speaking, reading, or writing. Others may be confused or become easily forgetful. Still others may display marked changes in personality, temperament, and emotions. Some may have problems doing physical activities, such as walking, swallowing, and those activities that require fine coordination.
All brain tumors may not cause all symptoms. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact medical help right away. A doctor will perform many tests to ascertain the presence of a tumor, including a CT scan, EEG, or an MRI, among other tests. If a tumor is located, doctors will perform a biopsy to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant. Depending on the type of tumor (there are over 100 varieties) and how early the problem was caught, treatment options can include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
People with a brain tumor may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with a brain tumor do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not a brain tumor.
Seizures can be a definite sign, particularly if they are a new symptom. Headaches can be caused by a tumor, but most people with headaches do not have a tumor. However, persistent headaches that are worst in the morning, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, or that cause double vision can be signs of a brain tumor.
yes, I have atumor in the pitutary gland, that controls all of your main hormones. I often have signs of pregnancy. i would go to the doctor if you are having any other signs of a brain tumor such as headaches. yes, I have atumor in the pitutary gland, that controls all of your main hormones. I often have signs of pregnancy. i would go to the doctor if you are having any other signs of a brain tumor such as headaches.
Brain Tumor Society was created in 1989.
Brain Tumor Foundation was created in 1998.
Yes if brain tumor or cancers are their specialty then as a doctor they should have a decent if not vast amount of information on brain tumor symptoms and how to cure the brain tumor.
Yes, a brain tumor is very serious affect. It can kill you. Most people that develop a brain tumor can die shortly afterwards.
How does a brain tumor affect the Brain?
A brain tumor is a growth in a person's brain from rapidly multiplying cells that can affect the way your brain or nervous system works.
American Brain Tumor Association was created in 1973.
His cancerous tumor was inside his brain, which caused a few seizures.
yes, some minor symptoms of a brain tumor is dizziness